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Friday, May 29, 2009

Former DBC Erica Weston, is also battling it out on the court as a Laker Girl while the Nuggets and Lakers fight for the Western Conference Championship. She follows in the footsteps of former DBC Leslie Macias and DND/Rockstarz Becky Hamm as they chased their dance dreams in LA as Laker Girls.

BIOGRAPHY First year member of the Los Angeles Laker Girls squad.

EDUCATION Currently a student at Loyola Marymount University Major: Public Relations

HOBBIES/INTERESTS Working Out Snow Skiing Cooking Bikram Yoga

Lakers.com Fitness Profile: Erica

How did you prepare for Laker Girls auditions this summer?I prepared for auditions by taking all the dance classes I could as well as making sure I was eating healthy and working out regularly.

What other styles of dance do you do outside of Laker Girls rehearsals to maintain your skills?I really enjoy contemporary dance. It's something we don't really do as Laker Girls, so I like to do it outside of rehearsals. I also like to take a ballet class ever once in a while to keep up on my dance technique.

Do you do anything outside of dance to stay fit (ie swimming, biking, etc.)?Sometimes, I'll take a yoga class.

Take us through your typical workout. Do you use weights, cardio, flexibility exercises? If so, please describe.I'll start with 30-45 minutes on the bike or elliptical or sometimes doing intervals on the treadmill switching between running and walking. Then, I'll do a variety of resistance training exercises for legs, arms and abs followed by a lot of stretching at the end.

What do you eat to stay healthy/maintain energy?Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and proteins. I like everything in moderation too.

Talk about the importance of stretching, yoga or Pilates in your workout.I really like yoga and pilates because they lengthen your muscles. I think stretching at the end of my workout is really important so you aren't sore the next day.

How do you balance dancing vs. other fitness related activities?I like to have a variety of exercises--so combining the two is key so I never get bored.

Who made you aware of the importance of staying fit?Myself. When you notice your body changing, you realized you can't eat everything like you used to. Eating a little bit of everything in moderation helps keep me satisfied.

What do you find a "nutritional snack" during the day? In addition, tell us about your favorite meal to eat that you find healthy for your lifestyle.I like to snack on fruits and nuts throughout the day. They give you just enough protein and energy to keep going. I love any kind of pastel dish, especially spaghetti, because it gives me lots of energy.

What advice would you give to Lakers fans about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle?Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for your health as you get older. You'll fell healthier if you workout a few times a week and watch what you eat.

Do you have an everyday helpful, healthy tips for any of the Lakers Fans?Write down in a journal your daily intake. If you haven't had as much during the day, you can splurge more at night or know that you've eaten enough throughout the day so healthy snacks are the way to go at night.

And you might be asking yourself what she’s doing on the front of the sports page. Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy and move on.

Oh, and pat yourself on the back for taking time away from the pretty picture to actually read this — because, trust me, behind the good looks and great dance moves, Krista Schneider has an interesting story to tell.

She was born on the edge of Longmont and raised on a ranch by a cowboy whose rugged ways rubbed off on her. Sure, Schneider did the dance recitals, ballets and all that other girly stuff — but you know what they say: You can take the girl away from the farm, but ...

“I was always such a tomboy. I never could have dreamed of being this pretty girl on posters and signing autographs,” Schneider says, almost apologizing to that inner child who can’t wait to grow up and wrestle steer like dad.

Schneider attended Skyline High School, graduating in 2005. She was on the school’s dance team all four years, and in her mind, that’s where her dancing career would end.

But her first year at Colorado State was a tough one that included the sudden passing of her father. She needed an outlet, and dancing came calling once again.

She tried out and made the Colorado Eagles’ dance team and eventually fulfilled the lifelong dream of many a little girl: becoming a dancer on an NBA team.

The 22-year-old has been along for nearly every minute of Denver’s historic ride to the Western Conference finals — and recently, Schneider made this sportswriter’s lifelong dream by giving me a few minutes of her time.

••

JW: Tell me a little about yourself, other than your dancing life.

KS: I enjoy long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners ... just kidding! I am attending Colorado State University, majoring in business marketing with a minor in merchandising.

I don’t have much time between school and dance, but when I do, you will rarely find me resting.

I like to get out and experience life with those around me. I’m very close with my family and enjoy spending time with them. My mom, sister, niece and I usually are out shopping together at least once a week, and I see my entire extended family at least once a month.

I also try to visit my boyfriend as much as possible, which can be difficult because he is from, and currently resides in, Alberta, Canada.

JW: Dang you, Canada! First you take Roy Halladay — now this?

... All right, what are some of your favorite memories of Skyline High School?

KS: I was on the Skyline Dance Team all four years and was captain my senior year. While I was on the dance team, I started a tradition where any senior guy who was brave enough to sign up would get to come learn a dance and perform at a few games with us.

I headed that up for three years, and I am sure you can imagine that was quite the experience and probably one of my favorite memories.

JW: So how did you go from that to becoming a Denver Nuggets dancer?

KS: I had been dancing my entire life and then decided to take a year off when I went to college. I had an extremely tough first year ... and decided I needed to start dancing again as a way to release all the emotions I was feeling.

I was very shy, but I felt like at this point, I had nothing to lose, so I started trying out for professional teams. I was elated when I made the Nuggets dancers, to say the least.

Now that I am nearing the end of my rookie season, I have to say that being a Nuggets dancer is more amazing than I could ever put into words.

JW: That’s a pretty competitive process, right?

KS: If I had to describe the tryout experience in one word, it would be “overwhelming.” Hundreds of girls show up and put everything they have on the line for a shot at their dream. The process is different for everyone but easy for no one.

I get very nervous, so tryouts are a little stressful for me, but it is worth it in the end.

JW: Did you ever imagine you’d end up as a dancer on a professional team?

KS: I actually had no idea that I could dance on a pro team, as strange as that sounds. To me, the girls that danced for the Nuggets were almost unreal, something that was unattainable.

Once I realized that I had similarities to a lot of the girls on the team, I immediately started trying out.

JW: So: How many times are you hit on during a game?

KS: Hmmmm ... I think the last tally was at 12,987. Just kidding!

JW: Who is your favorite Nuggets player, and why?

KS: It’s a tie between Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith.

Chauncey Billups because he is an amazing player and leader. The change was unbelievable when he stepped out on the court wearing that No. 7 jersey, and I don’t know if we would be in the position we are now without him.

J.R. Smith, because you can see his love for what he does. He always looks like he is enjoying life — plus, he is a great player.

JW: Who has the best dance moves on the Nuggets?

KS: I have to say J.R. Smith, because he is the only player I’ve caught dancing on the practice court.

JW: Of course I have to ask you: Who is going to win this Western Conference finals series between the Nuggets and Lakers?

KS: I think that the Nuggets will not only win the Western Conference finals, but I think they are going to win it all.

As Kobe (Bryant) said about the Nuggets: “They have depth. They have the toughness. They have the camaraderie. It’s no surprise to me that they’re here.”

••

There you have it, folks. Good looks and she knows her sports. Again — dang you, Canada.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

We’ll call it the National Lacrosse League battle of the brunettes. Gina is the first brunette and she’s locked up the first spot in our championship matchup by virtue of her 8,585 voting victory over Kelly last week. This week, we’ve got a pair of brunettes in Heidi and Marie, and they’re duking it out for the second spot in the title match. Who it is that advances is totally up to you, the voters, so turn the page and push the button.

Heidi’s the mile-high hottie with the Colorado Mammoth dance squad who has pulled in more than 7,000 votes in each round she’s been a contestant. She’s been in regular touch with the staff here, telling us how proud she is to be a part of all this and how proud her family is of her. It’s so heart-warming for us here at NLLInsider.com, and we’re more than pleased to bring these NLL dancers to life for you outside of the game situations. We know the lacrosse players are the ones who get the bulk of love here because, well, because we’re drawn to the game first and foremost. But you can’t forget the dancers, right? They’re as much a part of the gameday experience as anything else and even though you don’t wanna admit it, you pay attention.

So now it’s on to Marie, the Philadelphia hottie who indeed does put Philly in a whole new perspective. Think about it. What comes to mind when you hear Philadelphia? Hard-nosed. In your face. Aggressive. Marie puts a softer spin on that image and you know your opinion of that great city has changed just a bit after viewing photographs of this Wings dancer. Like Heidi, Marie is a first-year dancer in the NLL and she discovered the joy and excitement of a game we’ve known for ages so it’s easy to welcome her to the club. And if you tell us it’s not easy to welcome Marie to the club, we’re gonna tell you something’s wrong with your dome. Check it. Now. And like Heidi, Marie’s been in touch with us here at NLLInsider.com and we can vouch for her professionalism and desire to rep Philly to the fullest.

So now you’ve got a decision to make. Is it Heidi or Marie? Get your vote on today and send one of these dancers on to next week’s championship match against Gina. Rock on.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Congratulations to Belles Performance Team member Rita Case as the 1st Runner Up in the 2009 Mrs. Colorado Pageant. Rita has participated in the pageant for 5 years now and has consistently been the youngest participant. Another congrats to Megan Yarberry, the winner of the 2009 crown!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The Belles Performance Team no longer holds auditions to join their organization. Twice a year, they hold an open application and interview process to select new and qualified members to the team. Their number one goal is finding professional, outgoing, and beautiful women with a passion for dance and entertainment that will continue to uphold their 1st class reputation in the Colorado community and be committed and personable team members. All levels of dance experience are considered. There are no size/weight requirements for the team, current members are anywhere from a size 4 - size 10, but they must look fit and proportional. There are also no age limits for the team (must be 18 to apply), past members have been as young as 40 years of age.

Their formal application process is as follows:

1) Entertainment Resume. This should include dance and cheer experience (teams, levels, classes, training, conventions, prep classes, competitions, auditions, dance styles and skills currently able to demonstrate), community service, and any promotions and/or pageant experience. Please also include personal information such as height, weight, clothing sizes (numeric and alphabetic - size 8 medium top), and measurements (fullest part of bust, waist at belly button, hip fullest part of bottom).

2) Cover Letter. Why should you be considered for a BPT dancer position? What do they need to know about you, your life, your goals? Why will you make a great community representative of our organization? Similar to a cover letter for a job.

3) Current headshot and full body photograph. Please be smiling in the headshot, hair down and done, in what you consider to be performance level makeup and the full body should have you in a maximum of a sports bra top and 3 inch inseam shorts. You do not need to submit a swimwear shot, but they do need to see your physique as they have many uniforms that reveal some part of the body (midriff, legs, etc.) at a time. These do not have to be professional but should be of good digital quality and clarity and are non-returnable.

Since the Belles have moved the format of their program to non-audition status, they must ensure they have an amazing group of ladies that work well together as a team with a common goal of upholding their traditions and providing top-notch entertainment in the community. Their focus is on recruiting the most friendly and dedicated of women, not necessarily the most talented of dancers...because they have a proven track record of teaching dance to over 250 women in the past 5 years. They plan to only move forward with women interested in continuing the classy and approachable image they are best known in the community for.

You can email these items to bellesperfteam@aol.com or mail them to: The Belles Performance Team, PO Box 1022, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Once the complete application has been submitted, materials will be reviewed and you will be contacted for a face to face interview. After the interview, an invitation to join the organization may be extended to applicants. To apply does not guarantee an invitation to join.

All applicants, regardless of an invitation to join the team, will receive:

1) 12 day spa pass to Planet Beach Contempo Spa, official tanning and skincare wellness partner of the BPT2) $50 microdermabrasion with european facial pass to Aesthetic Nurse Specialists, official skincare partner of the BPT3) 1 month free dance pass to Allana's Academy of Dance, official dance studio of the BPT

The next open enrollment will be held beginning June 1, 2009, with interviews to take place the week of June 29, 2009. It is recommended that applications are received by June 19, 2009. The Belles have no team limit size so if you are the right fit for the organization, a spot will be available for you.

Please sign up on the Contact Us page of their website for their email list to be notified of the next open enrollment.

THE COLORADO EAGLES ARE LOOKING FOR DANCERS WHO ARE DYNAMIC, WELL SPOKEN, AND TALENTED TO REPRESENT OUR ORGANIZATION. IF YOU HAVE THE DRIVE AND DEDICATION THAT IT TAKES, THEN COME AND TRY OUT TO BE AN EAGLES CHICK!

DATEAUGUST 23, 2009

TIME10:30AM

LOCATION*BUDWEISER EVENTS CENTER5290 ARENA CIRCLELOVELAND, CO 80538

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE

NOTEMUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDERAUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERSTHINGS TO BRING WAIVER APPLICATION RESUME NON-RETURNABLE RECENT PHOTO(NO GROUP PHOTOS)

THINGS TO KNOW REQUIRED DANCE ATTIRE: A TWO-PIECE FORM –FITTING OUTFIT. SPORTS BRA OR MIDRIFF TOP, TIGHTS OR JAZZ PANTS. NO BAGGY OUTFITS. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: STRONG JAZZ &/OR HIP HOP. THE AUDITION WILL ALSO INCLUDE AN INTERVIEW. FULL PERFORMANCE STYLE HAIR & MAKE-UP. THE JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR TALENTED, ENERGETIC, PHYSICALLY FIT LADIES WHO LOVE TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF LARGE CROWDS.

COMMITMENT INFORMATIONMANDATORY TEAM REHEARSALS - 2 EVENINGS A WEEK (DAYS & TIMES TBD)PRE-SEASON GAMES - OCTOBER32 REGULAR SEASON HOME GAMES – GAMES ARE PLAYED ON BOTH WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND EVENINGS. DANCERS ARE REQUIRED TO ARRIVE AT THE BUDWEISER EVENTS CENTER BY 5:30 PM.POSSIBLE PLAYOFF GAMES - APRIL & MAY-TBDPRE & POST GAME ACTIVITIES - TBDPUBLIC APPEARANCES & EVENTS - ENTIRE SEASON, LENGTH OF CONTRACTCOMMUNITY/CHARITY EVENTS - ENTIRE SEASON, LENGTH OF CONTRACT

CANDIDATES MUST DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING DURING AUDITIONS AND THROUGHOUT THE SEASON…STRONG ATHLETICISM, FLEXIBILITY AND ENDURANCEABILITY TO PICK UP DANCES QUICKLYCONSISTENT POSITIVE ATTITUDESTRONG TEAMWORK SKILLSPROFESSIONALISM, POISE AND CONFIDENCE AT ALL TIMESSTRONG TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLSSOLID SHOWMANSHIP AND OVERALL IMAGE

We’re back for more voting in our weekly National Lacrosse League Girls of the Week contest and after Kelly beat Emily by a nifty vote count of 3,112 to 2,561, all we’re left with now is the last quarterfinal matchup. That pits Krystle up against Heidi and we gotta warn Krystle and her fans. Heidi absolutely cleaned up in her last outing, garnering more than 7,500 votes. As coincidence might have it, though, Krystle comes to us from the Calgary Roughnecks, who, of course, are playing for all the marbles this weekend. Will Krystle do the same? That depends on you voters, doesn’t it?

Krystle’s the JV accountant outta Camrose, Alberta, who caught our attention early by mentioning her approval for the music of Ray Lamontagne. Great stuff to listen to, no doubt, and being fans of the fella ourselves, we’d be totally shocked, but pleasantly so, if the Drill Crew actually got out there and danced to some of his music. Thing is, Ray’s music isn’t exactly the kinda stuff for the rock-n-roll atmosphere of an indoor lacrosse game, so we’ll let that slide. That won’t stop us from requesting any sort of routine to the music of the Disco Biscuits, though. But, we digress.

Krystle’s here to dance for the ‘Necks and their fans, who are playing for the NLL title this weekend against the New York Titans. And something tell us that if the Roughnecks do win it all, there’ll be all sorts of dancing in Calgary, no matter what kind of music is being played. And if that Calgary offense is anywhere near as smooth and devastating as it was in last weekend’s win against San Jose, we imagine there’ll be plenty of dancing fans in the stands to accompany Krystle and her mates. A joyous scene, no doubt.

Heidi’s the Public Relations worker who recently wrapped up her first season dancing for the Mammoth squad. While the season didn’t quite go as planned in the Mile High City, it’d be tough to think of her having a down experience. A rockin’ barn, a playoff team, an exciting offense and a hot tub on site. Are you kidding? How can anyone NOT have a great time at a game there. Of course, playing for a title would make it a lot more fun, but there’s always the optimism for next season and we’re thinking that lots of you are hoping Heidi returns for a second season with the Mammoth dance team. That’s still a ways away, of course, but if Heidi pulls off the win in this round, we’ll be seeing more of her in the weeks to come as this contest rolls along. And fortunately for you, fan, you don’t even have to get out of your seat to vote in this election. It’s all taken care of with the click of a mouse.

So who is it? Krystle or Heidi? Make your vote count, fan, and we’ll be back soon with the start of our semifinal rounds to determine who’s gonna end up in the final. But before you vote, a programming note. You remember Marie, right? The dancer from Philadelphia? Well, by virtue of the way the NLL schedule broke down, she gets an automatic bye into the semifinal round where she awaits the winner of the poll between Krystle and Heidi. OK. Back to your regularly scheduled vote.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

On Saturday, May 2, 2009, the Belles co-hostessed the Cancer League of Colorado's Spring Gala. The team greeted guests as they arrived at the event, assisted guests with bids on auction items, sold raffle tickets to win a 2009 Dodge Challenger, modeled live auction jewelry and spotted the live auction. The event raised close to $100,000 and the Belles appreciated the opportunity to help move cancer research one step closer to finding a cure.

Sarah and Adrianna greet guests.

Tiffany and Winter greet guests.

The Belles would like to thank CIRA Limited for sponsoring the team's evening wear and some shoes/accessories for the event. They would also like to thank Jeremy Patterson and his team at Vito Pini Salon for all of the hairstyles. And of course Planet Beach Contempo Spa for the tans!

For the first time ever, the Broncos Cheerleaders opened up their tryouts to the public. To say the event was a success would be an understatement. To say the event was a hair-twirling-bombshell-bucking-dance-off success, might be a little more appropriate. The event was not only sold out, but lines of ticketless patrons were being turned away at the door as the Davis Auditorium at DU reached capacity.

The tryouts hosted 61 beautiful ladies, each fighting for one of the 26 spots on the squad. Despite their good looks, this was no beauty contest. The judges, made up of former Broncos cheerleaders, coaches, politicians, sportscasters, and all the like, were looking for more than just a pretty smile. These girls had to be able to dance.

Anyone can tell you that Broncos fans are ruthless. But while we eat up and spit out quarterbacks like chicken wings, we are equally loving in the adoration of our cheerleaders.

Given that, the competition was tough. Even members of the squad form last season had to tryout again, and not every veteran made the cut.

Five new girls were added to the team. One of which, Kaoruko Horiike, came all the way from Japan, just to try out. It looks like she’ll be around for a while.

During the judges deliberation, one lucky raffle winner (pictured in photo #89) won two sets of season tickets. Other prizes include autographed memorabilia, merchandise and game tickets.

The event was such a success that tryouts will be held in a similar format next year, just in a larger venue.

Here's the list of the lovely and talented ladies that will be distracting you during the 2009-2010 season, and we’re not talking about your wife:

For the first time, the Denver Broncos' cheerleader tryouts were open to the public this year, and went down on Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Denver University's Davis Auditorium. Photos by J. Knight, Westword.